Incubator mechanism



March 24, 1931. W. 2F, HILLPOT TNCUB`ATOR MECHANISM Filed "March 24, 1928 3 Sheets-Sheet l FIG;

March 24, 1931.

w. F HILLPOT T NCUBATOR MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 24,

FIG I/Y.

A? me;

Wwf

March 24, 1931. w. F. HILLPoT INCUBATOR MECHANISM Filed March 24, 1928 3 sheets-sheet sv Patented Mar. 24, 1931 WILLIAM FINNEY HILLPOT, OF FRENCHTOWN, NEW JERSEY INGUBATOR MECHANISM Application led March '24, 1928.

My invention relates to mechanism of the general character described and claimed in Letters Patent of the United States 1,489,597 granted to me Aprilr 8, 1924 vand '1,545,425 granted to me July 7, 1925, wherein the means for supporting eggs include avertical series of trayseach supported by detachable connection with a plurality of vertically extending endless chain belts; whereby each tray is pivotally supported so that it may be tilted, to Yand -from horizontal position, and inclined in either of two opposite directions to turn the eggs, with the object and effect of preventing the embryos from sticking to the shells; and each tray may be progressed vertically during the .incubating period, fromthe place of introduction of the fresh eggs to the place of discharge `of the hatched chicks. Each of said trays has freedom for such tilting movement, independently of its vertical movement of progression, but is capable of being contemporaneously tilted and progressed. That is Ito say, the portions of the mechanism respectively operative to effect the movements of tilting and progression maybe operated at different times, or contemporaneously.

In the form of my invention shown in said Letters Patent, four such vertically extending endless chains are used to support the trays and means otherrthan said supporting .chains are employed to hold the trays in any position in which they may be tilted; such means being vrequiredyvbecause the trays are pivoted upon axes coincident with their cen ters of gravity and thus normally in unstable equilibrium. On the contrary, my present invention is operative with but three vertically extending suspension chains and the trays are supported, instable equilibrium, `in every position of inclination, by said chains; Without the necessity of employing other holding means. I

Moreover, the construction and arrangement of my present invention are such that all ofthe trays in a vertical series may b e Serial No. 264,320.

lsimultaneously tilted merely by relative movement of their supportingchains; which chains may be simultaneously moved to progress all of the trays in that series Without changing their inclination, or, as above con'- 'templatech the chains may be shifted to contemporaneously eect tilting and progressing movement of the entire series of trays which they support.

My invention includes the various novel features of construction and arrangement hereinafter more definitely specified.

.In said drawings; Fig. I is a fragmentary, diagrammatic, perspective view of a vertical series of egg trays supported by three vertical chains respectively suspended from chain Wheels on three rotary shafts.

Fig. II is an end elevation of one of the trays shown in Fig. I, indicating the range of its inclination with respect to its pivotal connection with the chain at the right hand side of Fig. I; such connection being eccentric with respect to the width of the tray.

Fig. III is a fragmentary, diagrammatic, perspective view of a single tray having three points of suspension with respect tothree vertical chains; the right hand chain being pivotally connected with the edge of the tray instead of intermediate of its ends, as in Figs. I and II. i

Fig. IV is a fragmentary, diagrammatic,

perspective View `of a single tray, similar toconnecting the two chain shafts shown at the left in Fig. I; the third shaft, shown at the right in Fig. I, being connected with the bottom shaft at the left in Fig. I by the horizontal chain indicated in dash and dot lines in Fig. I.

Fig. VII is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the mechanism shown in Fig. VI, taken on the line VII, VII in Fig. VI.

Fig. VIII is a perspective view of the tray pivot at the right hand side of the tray indicated in Fig. VII; the opposite pivot being oppositely counterpart thereto.

Fig. IX is a perspective view of the tray pivot indicated at the remote end of the top tray in Fig. I.

Fig. X is a plan view of the backing bar shown diagranimatically in Fig. I.

Referring to Fig. I; the vertical series of similar trays 1 are supported with freedom for tilting and vertical bodily movement by the three vertically extending endless chains 2, 3 and I with which each of said trays 1 is adapted to be independently detachably connected by respective pivot means 5, 6, and 7. A preferred form of pivot member 5 is shown in Fig. VIII and includes a downwardly turned hook member 8 which is adapted to extend in a link of the chain 2. The opposite pivot means 6 is similar to that shown in Fig. VIII, but oppositely counterpart and adapted to extend in a link of the chain 3. A The pivot means T is shown in Fig. IX and includes the downwardly turned hook 9 adapted to extend in a` linl; of the chain 4. The arrangement is such that by relative moveinent of said chains 2, 3 and 1l; each of said trays 1 is 4adapted to be tilted upon its axis coincident with the hook member 9 of its pivot 7, to and from horizontal position, and Ainclined in either of two opposite directions, as indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. II.

It may be observed. with reference to Fig. Il, that the axis of the pivot means 7 is eccentric with reference to the width of the tray; so that the latter is al 'ays over-balanced toward the right to stress the chain 2 downvwardl,T by the weight of the contents of the tray and thus maintain each tray in stable equilibrium upon its three points of support 5, 6, and 7. However, said points of support may be otherwise disposed. For instance, as indicated in Fig. III; the pivot means 7 is pivotally connected with the edge of the tray instead of intermediate of its end, as indicated in Figs. I and II. Fig. IV shows an arrangement of the pivot means 6 and 7 similar to that of Fig. III; but the pivot means 5 for engagement with the intermediate chain 2 is connected with the tray intermediate of its length, instead of at' the ends corner as in Fig. III. In any of the Vthree cases aforesaid, each tray is supported in stable equilibrium upon its three pivotal means, in connection with the three chains 2, 3 and Ll.

As indicated in Fig. I; the chains 2, 3 and et are respectively suspended from chain wheels 12, 13 and 14 respectively rigidly connected with rotary shafts 15, 1G and 17, and it is to be understood that when said shafts are contemporaneously turned in the direction of the arrows upon said wheels, the entire series of trays 1 may be bodily lowered; to thus progress each trayfrom the position of insertion of fesh eggs in the incubator, at the upper portions of said chains, to the position of discharge of chicks from the trays at the lower portion of said chains. Also that the tilting movements of said trays above described may be effected by relative vertical movement of said chains. For instance, the chains 2 and 3 may be relatively shifted, for instance, respectively up and down, w iile the vchain l remains stationary, wit-h the effect of tilting all of the trays 1, simultaneously, upward at the right hand edge thereof, as indicated in Figs. I and II. Reverse relative movement of said chains 2 and 3, with said chain l stationary, effects tilting movement of the trays to incline the same in the opposite direction. Moreover, it is to be understood that the trays may be tilted and inclined contemporaneously with their downward progressive movement by proper movement of the chain 4 in coordination with the other chains. as hereinafter described.

In Figs. VI and VII, I have shown a convenient gearing mechanism for cooperatively connecting said three shafts 15, 16, and V17 to coordinately effect the above contemplated movements thereof. Said mechanism includes the metallic base frame 19 which may be rigidly connected with the vertical'support '20 which may be a timber' stud in or at a wall of the incubator inclosure in which said trays 1 are suspended. Said frame 19 has journal bearings 22 and 23 for the respective shafts 15 and 16 aforesaid. Said shaft 15 upon which the suspension chain wheel 12 is rigidly mounted, is provided with means for turning it, manually or otherwise, conveniently including the chain wheel 25 which is `rigidly connected therewith and may be turned directly by hand or by means of an endless chain encircling it and pendent therefrom, asV indicated at 26 in Fig. VII. Said shaft 15 has, rigidly mounted thereon, the sun gear 27 in mesh with the planetary gear 28 which is journaled on the spider 29 in the gear casing 30. Said'planetary gear 28 is in mesh with the second sun gear 32 which is in coaxial relation with said first sun gear 27 `but mounted to turn loosely upon said shaft 15.

Said sun gear 32 carries, rigidly connected therewith, the gear 33 which is in mesh with the idler gear 34, shown in dotted lines in Fig. VI, which is in mesh with the.

gear 35, which is rigidly mounted onsaid lao fio

shaft 16 upon which the suspension chain gear 13 is rigidly mounted. Y y

The arrangement last above described is such that said shaft may be turned in either direction by the wheel 25, to turn the suspension chain wheel 12 in the same direction, Abutecontemporaneously turn the suspension chain wheel 13 inthe opposite direction and thus effect relative vertical .movement of the two chains 2 and 3 to tilt the trays-17in either direction. Although it is desirable to thus tilt lthe trays to the extent of forty-five degrees to the horizontal, asindicated by the dotted lines in Fig. II; I provide said shaft 15 with stop means to limit its turning movement, to such an extent as to prevent overturning the trays. As indicated in Fig. VI and theright hand portion of Fig. VII; such stop means include the radially projecting arm 36 which is carried by the collar 37 in rigid relation with said shaft 15 and is adapted to encounter the'stop member 38 which is a stud rigidly connected with and extending from said casing parallel with said shaft 15.

During the relative vertical movements of said chains'2 and 3, effected by thus turning said shaft 15 less than one revolution; said casing 30 and the stud 38 projecting therefrom are held stationary bythe worm 40, shown in Fig. VI, which is mounted torotate in the `journal bearings 41 and 42 on "said frame 19; being rigidly connected with its shaft 43, conveniently by the pin 44. Said shaft 43 is squared, -asindicated at 45, to afford a hold for a wrench by which it may be l turned. Said worm y is .in mesh with the worm gear 47 which is rigidly connected with said casing 4301; so that'the rlatter is normally prevented from 'turning when said worm l40 is stationary, but may be turned by rotation of said worm shaft 43.

Said casing r30 carries the belt wheel 50, which is rigidly connected therewithin coi axial relation with the shaft 15', but, of course,

in relative rotatable relationwith the latter, and said wheel 50 is connected, by the belt 51, with the belt wheel 52, ofthe same diameter, which is rigidly mounted on the shaft 17 so that the latter, and the chain 4, are held stationary when said casing isheld stationary as aforesaid. Said belt 51 is conveniently a chain but is referred to as a belt inthe claims to avoid confusion with the tray suspension chains;2, 3 and 4. However, it is to be understood `that the :latter may be flexible connectors of any suitable form.

I'Vhen it is desired to bodily lower the entire series of 4trays 1, as is done, step by step, at suitable intervals'throughout the period of vtwenty-one vdays of gestation of the eggs, to

progress each tray from the top to the bottom of said series, tofpresent the eggs in the lower part of the series whenthey are :ready to hatch, said worrnshaft 43,1nay 'be turned in the direction of the arrowmarked thereon in Fig. VI to -thnsturn the worm gear'47 in the Vdirection of the arrow -markedthereon in said figure, and thus simultaneously ilower the dotted lines in Fig. II, or otherwise. Said stop members 36 andv38 are always cooperative to limit the tilting 'movements of the trays, as aforesaid, regardless ofthe position of rotation of the easing'30 which carries said stop member 38. Moreover, by relative turning movements'of the shaft 115 and lthe casing 30, by simultaneous ymovements `thereof, tilting movements of the trays, in either direction, may be veffected simultaneously with their downward progressive movement aforesaid. Y

`Although the mechanism above described may be operated intermittently, manually or otherwise, as above described, said worm shaft 43m'ay be continuously slowly turned, by any ksuitable mechanism, for instance, such as described in my copendingapplication Serial No. 203,459 filed July 5,1927 for Letters Patent of the United States, No. 1,722,214; including an'electric motor with a suitable escapement whereby the downward progression of the trays maybe suitably timed. In such an embodiment of my linvention, as the progressivemovementof the trays is continuous, the-tilting movements of the trays, which are preferably effected at intervals not exceeding -siX hours, are, perforce, effected contemporaneously with such progressive movement.

In order to facilitate the Vengagement: of

the pivot lmeans '7 on the trays 1 `in proper t relation 'with the links of the chain 4; I

find it convenient `to support the reach of said chain which is to be thus engaged, by

means of a vertically extending backing bar 53 which may be `rigidly supported, in stationary position, by any 'suitable means, for instance, by brackets connecting it with the adjacent wall of the incubator. inc-losure. Said inclosure may be in the 'form of aroom including walls with suitable bearing supports'for the-shaftsl, 16, and 17. However,-

the mechanism above described vmay be supported in 'any convenient manner, by any suitable means.

It isv to be particular-ly y'notedv that `the location of the flexible connectors by which the traysare supported at 'their ZVfront ends at the extreme opposite edges of lthose ends facilitates the introduction of the trays between those'connectors and into detachable engagement therewith; regardless of the specific construction vor arrangement of the means whereby those connectors are, vor may be, operated to effect tilting vand lowering movements of the trays. Moreover, such location of the tray supports permits them to temporarily detachably engage and support atray loading device upon which the trays may be slid to and from engagement with said flexible supports; which loading device is the subject matter of my copending application (141-27) Serial No. 264,321, filed March 24, 1928, for Letters Patent of the United States. Y

Therefore, I do not desire to limit myself to the precise details .of construction, arrangement or operation herein set forth, as it is obvious that various modifications may be made therein, without departing from the essential features of my invention, as defined in the appended claims.

I'claim':

1. In an incubator egg tray supporting mechanism, the combination with only three chains, arranged to detachably support a tray between them; of means arranged to move said chains together, to lower said tray; and said means including a shaft arranged to relatively move one of said chains to tilt said tray; `whereby tilting and lowering movements of lsaidtray may be effected in coordinate relation. j y

2. In an incubator egg tray support-ing mechanism, the combination with only three chains, arranged to support a tray between them, with two of said chains at one end and onevof said chainsat the other end; of means arranged to move said vthreechains together, to lower said tray; 'and said means including a shaft arranged to relatively move one of said chains to tilt said tray; whereby tilting and lowering movements of said trayvmay be effected in coordinate relation.

3. In an incubator egg tray supporting mechanism, the combination with three chains, arranged to support a tray between them with two chains at one end and one chain at the other end; of means arranged to move said three chains together, to lower said tray; and means arranged to relatively move one of said chains to tilt said tray; including three shafts having respective chain wheels rigidly connected therewith and respectively supporting said chains; and means coordinately connecting said shafts, arranged to turn said shafts simultaneously and per- --mit the turning of one shaft relatively to the other two shafts; whereby tilting and lowering movements of said tray maybe effected in coordinate relation.

f1. In Tan incubator egg tray supporting mechanism,' the combination with three chains, arranged to support a tray between them with two chains at one end and one chain at theother end; of means arranged to move said three chains together, to lower said tray; and means arranged to relatively move. one of said chains to tilt said tray; Aincluding three shafts having respective chain wheelsrigidly connected therewith and respectively supporting said chains; and means coordinately connecting said shafts, arranged to turn said shafts simultaneously and permit the turning of one shaft relatively tothe other two shafts; said connecting means including a differential gearing train; whereby tilting and lowering movements of saidtray may be effected in coordinate relation. v V

, 5. In an incubator egg tray -supporting mechanism, the combination with `three chains, arranged tol support a tray between them `with two chains at one end and one chain at the other end; of means arranged to move said three chains together, to lower said tray; and means arranged to relatively move one of said chains to tilt said tray; including three shaftshaving respective chain wheels rigidly connected therewith and respectively supporting said chains; and means coordinately connecting said shafts, arranged to turn said shafts simultaneously and permit thev turning of one shaft relatively to the other two shafts;`said connecting means including a planetary gearing train; whereby tilting and lowering movements of said tray may be effected in coordinate relation.

6. In anincubator egg tray supporting mechanism, the combination with supporting meansfincluding two chains, arranged to support a tray between them', at one edge of said tray; `of means arranged torelatively move said chains-to tilt said tray, andV means arranged tomove said chains together to lower said tray; Y wherebytilting andl lowering movements of said tray may be effected independently,`at different times, and conteinporaneously, at the will of the operator; in-

cluding two shafts; chain wheels respectively rigidly mounted upon said shafts andresp'ectively support-ing said chains; a train of gearing cooperatively connecting said shafts, including a sun gearrigidly connected with one of said shafts, a planetary gear in mesh with said sun gear and adapted to move in an orbit concentricv with that shaft; a casing in which said planetarygear is journaled; means arranged to normally hold said casing from turning and movable to turn said casing; a second sun gear in coaxial relation with said first sun gear and mesh with said planetary gear, but free to rotate independently of said first shaft; a' driving gear coupled with said second `sun gear; a driven gear rigidly connected with said second shaft; an intermediate gear in mesh with said driving gear and driven gear; a stop projection on said casing; and a stopk memberrigidlyV connected with said rst shaft and varranged to encounter said stop projection and limit the relative rotary movement of said first shaft in said casing; whereby rotary movement of said first shaft, rigidly connected with said sun gear, effects rotaryV movement of said second shaft, in the oppositedirection, to

effect tilting movement of said tray; said stop mechanism limiti-ng the inclination of said tray while said casing remains stationary; and rotary movement of said casi-ng effects simultaneous rotation of both chain wheels in the same direction.

7; In an incubator egg tray supporting mechanism, the combination with supporting means including two cha-ins, arranged to support a tray betweenthein, at one end of said tray; of means arranged to relatively move said chains to tiltsaid tray,A and; means ai'- ranged to move said chains together to lower said tray; whereby tilting and lowering movements of said tray may be effected independently, at respectively different times, and contemporaneously, at the will of the operator; including two, parallel, shafts; chain wheels respectively rigidly mounted upon said shafts and respectively supporting said chains; a train of gearing cooperatively connecting said shafts, including a sun gear rigidly connected with one of said shafts, a planetary gear in mesh with said sun gear and adapted to move in an orbit concentric with that shaft; a casing in which said planetary gear is journaled; a worm gear rigidly connected with said casing; and a worm engaging said worm gear; whereby said casing may be held stationary and turned; a second sun gear, in coaxial relation with said first sun gear and in mesh with said planetary gear, but free to rotate independently of said first shaft; a driving gear coupled with said second sun gear; a driven gear rigidly connected with said second-shaft; an intermediate gear in mesh with said driving gear and driven gear; a stop projection on said casingand a radial arm rigidly connected with said first shaft, arranged to encounter said stop projection and limit the relative rotary movenient of said first shaft in said casing; whereby rotary movement of said first shaft, rigidly connected with said sun gear, effects rotary movement of said second shaft, in the opposite direction, to effect tilting movement of said tray; said stop mechanism limiting the inclination of said tray in both directions, while said casing remains stationary; and rotary movement of said casing, effected by rotary movement of said worm, effects simultaneous rotation of both chain wheels in the same direction.

8. In an incubator egg tray supporting mechanism, the combination with three vertically pendent chains, arranged to support a tray between them; of means arranged to relatively move one of said chains to tilt said tray and means arranged to move said chains together to lower said tray; whereby tilting and lowering movements of said tray may be effected independently, at different times, and contemporaneously, at the will of the operator; including three shafts; chain wheels respectively rigidly mounted upon said shafts and respectively supporting. saidcliains; a train-of' gearing cooperatively connecting two ofsaid shafts' and including ay rotatable gear casing in coaxial relation with one of said projection andy limit the relative rotary movement of said coaxial shaft in said casing to less than` oney revolution; and means cooperatively connecting said casingand third shaft to turn together; whereby rotary movement .of saidfcoaxial shaft, effects rotary movement of the second: shaft inthe opposite direction to effect tilting movement of said tray; said stop. mechanism limiting the inclination of said traywhile said casing remains stationary, and rotary movement of said casing effects simultaneous rotation of all three shafts and chain wheels in thesame direction.

9. In. an incubator egg tray supporting mechanism, the combinationt with two chains, arranged tol support a tray between them. at One end of said tray; of means arranged to relatively move said; chains toV tilt sai-idv tray and means arranged to move said chains together to lower )said tray; whereby tilting and lowering movements of said tray may be effected independently,v at respectively different times, and. contemporaneously,y at the willfof the operator; ineludingtwo shafts; chain wheels respectively rigidly. mounted upon saidl shaftsand respectively supporting said. chains; a train of gearingcooperativey connecting said shafts, includinga sun gear rigidly connected with oney of saidshafts, a ,planetary gear'in mesh with-saidy sun gear and adapted to movein an orbit coi'icentricV with that shaft, a casingh'in which said planetary gear is` journaled; aworm gear rigidly connected with said casing and a worm engage,- ing said worm gear; whereby said casingmay be held stationary and turned; a second sun geaia'vin coaxial relation with said first sun gear and in mesh. with said planetary gear. but free to ,rotate independently of said first shaft; a. driving gear rigidly coupled with saidsecond sun gear; a driven gear rigidly connected with said second; shaft and operatively connected with4 said' driving gear; a stop. projection on said casino" u n l l b 7 rigidly connected with said shaft and arranged toyencounter said stop projection and limitthe relative rotary movement of said first shaft in said casing to less than one revolution; a third chain arranged' to supportsadi tray at the Opposite @11d thereof; a third' 'chain wheel supporting said third chain; third shaft, parallel with said other ,Shafts ,and supporting Said 'third vWheel a 'belt wheel on.A third belt wheel al stop arm on said casing; and a belt cooperatively connecting said belt wheels; whereby rotary movement of said first shaft, rigidly connected with said sun gear, effects rotary movement of said second shaft, in theopposite direction, to effect tilting movement of said tray; said stop mechanism limiting the inclination of said tray, in either direction, to approximately forty-live degrees from the horizontal plane, while said casing remains stationary; and rotary movement of said casing, effected by rotary movement of said worm, effects simultaneousrotation of said three chain wheels in the same direction.

10. An incubator egg tray, comprising a rectangular frame, having means affording three points of suspension, in triangular relation with the center of gravity of the tray,

within the trianole formed b connecting b :n

said points of suspension; whereby said tray and supporting said connectors; and means coordinately connecting said shafts.

16. Incubator egg tray supporting mechanism as in claim 14' including three shafts having respective wheels, rigidly connected therewith, and supporting said connectors; and means coordinately connecting said shafts, including a dierential gearing train.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this twenty-second day of December, 1927.

IVILLIAM FINNEY HILLPOT.

may be supported in stable equilibrium; and

wherein the pointsof suspension are respectively local to pivot members which are metal hooks fixed on the frame and all pointing in the same direction; whereby they may be inserted and withdrawn with respect to respective suspension chains, by respective movements in the same direction.

11. In incubator egg tray supporting means, the combination with two vertically pendent flexible connectors arranged to detachably support the'front end of a'tray at the opposite edges thereof; of a flexible connector arranged to detachably support the rear end of a tray; and a tray having means at the opposite edges of its front end arranged to detachably engage the connectors thereat, and having means at its rear end arranged to detachably engage the connector thereat; whereby the introduction of such trays between and into engagementwith such connectors is facilitated.

12. Incubator egg tray supportingmeans as in claim 11; wherein the space'between the connectors adapted to support the front end of the tray is at least as wide as the tray. l

13. Incubator egg tray supporting means as in claim 11; wherein the means on the tray for engaging the flexible supports at the front end thereof, project laterally beyond the edges of the tray.

14. In an incubator egg tray supporting mechanism, the combination with only three flexible connectors, arranged to detachably support trays between them; of means" ar ranged to move said connectors together, to i lower said trays; and arranged to relatively move two of 'said connectors to tilt said trays; whereby tilting and lowering movements may be eected independently, at dif- Y l ferent times, and contemporaneously, at the will of the operator. Y, Y

15. Incubator egg tray'supporting mechanism as in claim 14; .including three shafts having wheels, rigidly connected therewith, 

